Few places spark the imagination quite like an airfield does – the scent of jet fuel, the roar of engines, the chatter of aviation enthusiasts and professionals, and that unmistakable sense that you are standing at the edge of innovation. That was the energy that greeted us last week at Lanseria International Airport, where the AERO South Africa Expo 2025 took place from 25 to 27 June 2025.

Bethukile Dingaan (seated) fielding enquiries from prospective students about the entry requirements for the LLB degree

Despite the chilly Gauteng weather, with strong gusts at times, aviation lovers showed up to savour the endless array of new drones, aircraft, software, engines and other services and innovations displayed by the various exhibitors. More than 2 000 attendees passed through the gates, eager to explore what the aviation world had on display. From light aircraft and helicopters to unmanned aerial systems, advanced avionics software, and regulatory bodies like the South African Civil Aviation Authority and the Air Traffic Navigation Services, the Expo truly represented South Africa’s aviation ecosystem. Notably, household names such as Airbus, Sling, Pipistrel, Rotax and Cirrus brought both their machines and their minds to the event.

Interest in aviation education

For us at Unisa’s College of Law, it was a significant event. It was the third year we were exhibiting at the AERO Expo, and we approached it with the purpose of showcasing our aviation-related academic offerings, particularly in aviation law, regulatory compliance, aviation management, and future-focused areas such as drone technology regulation. Our small but dedicated team – myself, Bethu Dingaan from my office, and Lawrence Keloilwe, our ever-energetic marketing assistant – manned the stall for the full three days. Each of us brought something different to the table, and together we engaged with everyone – from curious teenagers to seasoned professionals in uniform.

Prof Angelo Dube (second from right) engaging with visitors at the Unisa stand

What stood out was the genuine interest in aviation education, particularly in aviation law and regulation. A significant portion of our visitors – 33.3% according to our data – expressed keen interest in this field, while others inquired about pilot and crew training (20%), aviation management (13.3%), UAV regulation (20%), and airport and airline operations (6.7%). Many were surprised to learn that Unisa currently supervises LLM and LLD/PhD students in aviation law, and even more intrigued to hear that two PhDs in aviation law were conferred at our recent autumn 2025 graduation. This was encouraging, not just for us as academics, but for the sector at large.

Of course, we were honest – while we do not yet offer a taught undergraduate or master’s degree in aviation law, the college is working towards developing some programmes.

Not only did the Expo connect us to students and professionals; we also spoke to high-schoolers, aeronautical engineers, police officers, filmmakers, entrepreneurs, teachers, academics and civil servants. This diversity reinforced one important truth: aviation is not just about pilots and planes – it is a multidisciplinary field encompassing law, governance, logistics, psychology, finance, education and beyond.

AERO demographics

Some of the data we gathered is worth sharing. The age demographics of those who engaged with us showed a promising future:

• 46% were between 16 and 24 years old – the next generation of aviators, policymakers and entrepreneurs.
• 34% were between 35 and 44 years old, likely those already in the industry or looking to upskill.
• 20%, often mid-career professionals, fell into the 25–35 range.

Gender-wise, the balance was refreshing: 53% female and 47% male – a reminder that the skies belong to everyone.

Embracing the Catalytic Niche Areas

As we left Lanseria after three action-packed days, cold to the bone but energised in spirit, I was left with one overriding thought: Unisa has a critical role to play in Africa’s aviation future. Whether by conducting academic research, innovating policies or training the next generation of leaders in law and regulation, we are uniquely positioned to offer accessible, high-quality education in a sector poised for exponential growth. In many ways, we have embraced the Catalytic Niche Area of Aviation and Aeronautical Studies in our response to the demands and needs of the sector and the country at large.

We would like to thank the expo organisers for an excellent platform and everyone who stopped by our stall. Visitors either asked us about a specific course, requested information or simply chatted with us about their aviation journey – helping us shape our aspirations as a university and pioneer in the dream of having Unisa play a meaningful role in the aviation sector.

* By Prof Angelo Dube, Acting Director, School of Law